Social ServicesProviding patients & families with support & assistance

Licensed Clinical Social Workers work across disciplines to help patients and families cope with the emotional and social concerns that are often connected to illness or injury. Our professional social services staff can offer patients assistance in terms of patient care plans, evaluations, after care plans and referrals. They are also clinically trained to provide compassionate counseling for patients and families experiencing the difficulties of illness, rehabilitation and grief.

Services Provided ByEJGH Social Workers

Assisting with decision making related to the patient’s plan of care

Helping patients adjust to lifestyle changes brought on by illness or injury

Grief and loss counseling

Assisting patients and family in complying with a physician’s recommended plan of care

Counseling patients and family in times of conflict or crisis

Providing referrals to community resources, such as substance abuse treatment or mental health services

Providing referrals to nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Evaluating cases of possible abuse

Support Groups

Supportive Care

Supportive Care focuses on the comprehensive management of the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of patients and their family members dealing with the progression of advanced disease. It affirms life and regards dying as a natural process and a profoundly personal experience. Supportive Care neither hastens nor postpones death, but seeks to relieve suffering, control symptoms and restore functional capacity while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural and spiritual beliefs.

The Supportive Care team works closely with the patient’s physician and caregivers to assist the patient in enhancing his or her quality of life. Members of the multidisciplinary team include the patient, caregivers, physicians, primary nurse, supportive care nurse, care manager, social worker, chaplain, pharmacist, nursing assistants and dietitian.

Contact Information

Supportive Care Nurse

Address

Phone Number

Components of the Supportive Care Program

Collaboration with patient, family members and physicians in the establishment and clarification of the patient’s plan of care

Spiritual and cultural counsel

Legal and ethical considerations

Education and preparation for time of death

Grief, loss and bereavement counseling

Life completion goals and tasks

Emotional support

Support Groups

GriefSupport Group

The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to illness or other causes. Meetings are every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 pm. Call (504) 503-5000 for location.

CompassionateFriends

This group is for families coping with the loss of a child. Meetings are the second Monday of each month from 7 to 9 pm in the hospital’s Conference Center. Call (504) 503-5000 for more information.

Depression & Healing

Depression can have a devastating effect on a person's daily life. It makes work difficult and strains relationships. For someone who has had a major illness or injury, it can be even more damaging. Depression can delay the healing process and hinder the patient's ability to move forward.

What Can We Do?

If your friend or family member seems to be experiencing illness or injury-related depression, it is important to show as much support and encouragement as you can. The person has to want to succeed at recovery, but your encouragement can help them find that motivation. Make sure the patient knows that he or she is needed and that you want them to regain their physical health and continue to be a part of your life.

Simple Ways to Show You Care

It’s important for a patient in rehabilitation to know they are not alone or forgotten. Isolation and boredom can quickly lead to depression. The following are some of the ways you can offer encouragement to a recovering loved one:

Send flowers or gifts.
A surprise gift makes anyone’s day, especially if they’re in the hospital. Talk to the patient’s nurses to find out what types of gifts are most appropriate.

Have grandchildren, nieces or nephews draw pictures or make cards.
It’s hard not to be cheered by a child’s colorful creation.

Make signs to hang in the patient’s room.
Something that says ‘way to go,’ ‘great job,’ or ‘we love you’ can help the patient find motivation.

Send postcards or notes.
Just a line or two will remind the patient that you are thinking about him.

Bring photographs of family, friends or pets to display in the patient’s room.
If the person has a special keepsake, it might also help to make the patient’s room more comfortable.

Visit as often as you can.
Ask the nurses on the unit when you can and should visit. If you can’t get to the hospital, make a phone call.

Bring the newspaper when you visit.
Talk about what’s happening on the news. Keeping up on current events can help the patient stay in touch with the outside world.

Participate in family conferences and therapy observations.
Your involvement in therapy will help the patient both physically and emotionally. This is especially important if you will be one of the patient’s caregivers after discharge.

Celebrate holidays.
If the patient is hospitalized over a holiday or birthday, bring a small celebration to him.